Former Dem Congressman Says He’s Moving to Africa After Third Conviction

Mel Reynolds used to be a Democratic congressman from Chicago but now he’s “given up on America” after his third criminal conviction Thursday.

As Fox News reports, Reynolds says he is planning to move to Africa when he gets out of prison after his latest six-month stint.

Judge Robert Gettleman convicted Reynolds, 66, of tax fraud after the ex-politician did not report more than $400,000 in income earned from consulting work for Chicago businessman working in Zimbabwe.

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In addition to being a Harvard graduate and Rhodes Scholar, Reynolds was a one-term representative for Illinois’ second congressional district from 1993 to 1995.

Reynolds decided to represent himself at the trial and suggested during sentencing proceedings that his prior legal issues shuldn’t affect his current conviction. His other convictions were for statutory rape and misappropriation of federal funds to pay for his election expenses.

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“To put me in jail serves what purpose?” he asked the judge. “To teach me a lesson? … I’ve been taught about this racist society…every day of my life.”

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“I’m going home to Africa,” he said. “I’ve given up on America because how long do African-Americans put up with this nonsense?”